StitchTip calculator
Yarn substitution calculator
Compare yarn lengths and find the number of replacement skeins needed for a pattern.
How yarn substitution is calculated
Original skeins are multiplied by their length to get the pattern's total yarn length. That total, plus any safety margin, is divided by the replacement length per skein and rounded up.
Yarn substitution example
Eight original skeins at 120 meters provide 960 meters. Replacement skeins contain 100 meters, so without a margin you need 10 replacement skeins.
Frequently asked questions
Does matching length guarantee a good substitute?
No. Also compare fiber, yarn weight, gauge, texture and care instructions before choosing a substitute.
Why add a safety margin?
A margin helps cover gauge differences, swatching and variation between the original and replacement yarn.